A question people often ask is how I find enough material to write a weekly column.

Regular subscribers to the Macclesfield or Wilmslow Express will know most of the subject matter comes from the sometimes humorous, often angry and occasionally heartbreaking letters readers send me.

I get annoyed when space prevents me including them all but it's just impossible. Now and again I receive a batch of e-mails from people all suffering from the same distressing problem and I want to introduce the authors to each other to let them know they are not alone, but that's not the role of a local newspaper.

It's been really bothering me, especially as there is no other local forum where residents can express their views or share their problems.

I've had an idea percolating in my brain for some time and it's about to spring to life. Barlow's Beef is an Internet based Forum where anyone can express their views on anything be it parking, policing, council tax, anti-social behaviour and, providing the comments are not malicious, users can say whatever they please.

You can reply to comments made by others or post a topic of your own.

Be as open or anonymous as you wish.

Other Forum readers will only know as much about you as you are prepared to reveal, so don't be shy.

There's a page entitled 'Love it or Shove it' where you can cast your vote on important local issues so those in authority will no longer be able to deny public opinion.

Most of all, Barlow's Beef is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to have their say; it's going to be a lot more difficult for those in authority to ignore the views of residents if they are displayed on the Forum for all to see.

This is YOUR chance to express YOUR views on issues that affect YOU so beg, steal or borrow a computer and log on. If you don't have a computer, write out your comments on a scrap of paper and get a friend or relative to post them for you.

I want everyone to have their say.

It's high time residents had some influence over the way things run in this borough.

So if you have strong views on policing, the lack of dentists, the sale of council housing, the closure of a school or wheelie bins, Barlow's Beef is the place to air them.

If you're a police officer, councillor, nurse or doctor and feel the urge to join the debate, we'll be glad to have your contribution.